The Foyer Independence Fund gives young people living in Accredited Youth Foyers across Australia real money – up to $1,000 – to invest in whatever helps you build your future.

The money can be used to buy any item or service that supports a specific independence goal connected to at least one of the the 7 Youth Foyer Offers below and a goal you have for yourself. 

EDUCATION

Laptops, school supplies, stationery, micro-credentials, course fees (RSA, First Aid, and more).

WORK

Gym memberships, cooking classes, or anything that supports your physical and mental wellbeing.

HEALTH

Conferences, networking events, community projects – find your people and build your network.

CONNECTION

Conferences, networking events, community projects – find your people and build your network.

INDEPENDENCE

Driving lessons, public speaking, leadership courses – anything that builds your confidence and autonomy.

HOUSING

Furniture, kitchen appliances, or other essentials to set up your own space when you move out of the Foyer

FINANCIAL LITERACY

Budgeting workshops or online courses to get confident in managing your money.

WHO CAN APPLY

Check you’re eligible

A few things to know before you hit submit…

🏡 Current residents only

✅ You must be living in an Accredited Youth Foyer right now.

❌  Alumni aren’t eligible.

⚖️ Fair distribution

The Foyer Foundation aims to spread funding fairly across all Youth Foyers and young people. If a lot of applications come from one Youth Foyer, a limit may be applied.

If you are unsuccessful in round 11, you can apply for the Independence Fund again in the future.

☝️ One grant per person

✅ Each person can apply once.

❌ If you’ve previously received a grant, you’re not eligible to apply again.

❌ What the fund can’t cover

❌ Medication

❌ Paying off debts (utility bills, fines, etc.)

❌ Rent in advance

ROUND 11 TIMELINE

Key dates

HOW TO APPLY

Three simple steps

  • Complete the application form

    • Fill out the online application form below – answer all questions fully.
    • Make sure your plans align with at least one of the 7 Foyer offer areas.
    • Check the guidelines if you need help completing it or chat to your youth worker.
    • You’ll get a confirmation email once you’ve submitted. Didn’t receive the email? Reach out to [email protected]

  • Wait for the outcome

    • Our team reviews every application.
    • You’ll hear back through your youth worker.
    • If your grant is approved, your Youth Foyer handles the invoicing with Foyer Foundation – you don’t need to worry about the admin side.

  • Get started on your goal

    You’re approved – and now you can work with your youth worker to put the funds to use and chase down your goal.

    FYI: de-identified details about how funds are used get shared with Foyer Foundation supporters. This helps celebrate what young people are achieving and shows the real impact of the fund.

READY TO BACK YOURSELF?

Applications for Round 11 open 31 March.

NEED A BIT MORE INFO?

Supercharge your application and read the guidelines before you apply.

A special thanks to our sponsors